Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Chinese New Year falls on January 26th this year and is always a great time of year for my family. Since my children are half-Chinese my husband and I feel it's extremely important to pass on this part of their heritage.

Have you ever wondered why the Chinese celebrate the new year in January or even February?

Chinese New Year start with the new moon on the first day of the first month of the year and ends with the full moon 15 days later. This is why their New Year's is a different date every year.

2009 is the Year of the OX. According to the year you were born you may display certain characteristics of the 12 zodiac signs. The OX is known to be dependable, calm, narrow minded and materialistic, among other things. Check out wikipedia to find out what your zodiac sign is. My kids love knowing they are a horse, monkey and boar.

Along with a big New Year Eve's celebration the Chinese close out this 15 day holiday with a lantern festival where at night children and adults light all kinds of lanterns (lots of which are made with paper) and solve riddles that are written on them.

If you're in the Salt Lake City, Utah area the Tianjin Cathay Future Children's Art Troupe of China will be doing a special cultural performance on Saturday, January 24th from 7pm - 9pm. Check here for more details.